Navigating U.S. tariffs with confidence
Simplifying global trade for your business
Since early March 2025 when the U.S. introduced additional tariffs, duty amounts paid when shipping goods have been changing rapidly. Further measures have since been introduced, extended to more origins along with specific goods and retaliatory tariffs from other countries.
FedEx has successfully navigated international trade shifts for decades. We have the network, the expertise and the proven solutions to guide you through what these changes mean for your business and keep your shipments moving smoothly across borders without interruption.
We’ll continue to update this page regularly with the latest information while providing you with the tools and support needed to adapt to these changes.
What it means for your business
Generally, tariffs (the rate of duty) are applied as a percentage of the value of goods payable to the import country authority as the goods enter. The tariff varies depending on the origin of the goods, what the goods are, and if there is a trade agreement between the countries. Three key impacts you should prepare for:
Higher duty costs
Additional clearance requirements
Customer expectations
Recent changes may mean significantly higher duties on goods imported depending on the type of goods and the country of origin. FedEx Global Trade Manager can help you calculate these costs in advance.
Declaration requirements may now apply to your shipments. It may be necessary to declare your goods to the authorities in a different process that previously used. Our Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) system streamlines this process for you.
Be clear with your customers about who is paying duty, tax, and fees (Incoterms) and include it on your commercial invoice to avoid delays and surprises.
Higher duty costs
Recent changes may mean significantly higher duties on goods imported depending on the type of goods and the country of origin. FedEx Global Trade Manager can help you calculate these costs in advance.
Additional clearance requirements
Declaration requirements may now apply to your shipments. It may be necessary to declare your goods to the authorities in a different process that previously used. Our Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) system streamlines this process for you.
Customer expectations
Be clear with your customers about who is paying duty, tax, and fees (Incoterms) and include it on your commercial invoice to avoid delays and surprises.
FedEx Support Teams may reach out to you or your customer when clarification is needed, helping prevent costly delays.
Current Tariff Landscape
To help you prepare effectively and navigate these changes confidently, here is a breakdown of the current tariff changes and measures affecting shipments to and from the U.S.
FedEx solutions to simplify U.S.-bound shipping:
- FedEx Trade Solutions - Expert assistance with complex tariff classifications
- Global Trade Manager - Calculate duties and taxes before shipping
- Electronic Trade Documents - Submit customs documentation digitally to avoid delays
Click here for the latest tariffs on goods shipped to the U.S.
FedEx solutions for receiving international shipments:
- Special Brokerage Processing (SBP) - Streamlined clearance for regular importers
- Broker Select Option (BSO) - Use your preferred customs broker with FedEx delivery
- FedEx International Support Assist (FISA) - Specialized help for complex shipments
Click here for the latest tariffs on U.S. origin goods shipped to Europe.
How FedEx helps you prepare
To ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid delays, FedEx provides tools to help you submit the following information in the form of a commercial invoice:
- Contact information including name, email and telephone number
- Clear and precise goods description
- Harmonised System (HS) code is recommended
- Accurate manufacturing origin information
- True and accurate value declarations
- Details of each individual item within the shipment
- Clear indication of who is paying duty and tax fees
Our Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) system guides you through providing this information correctly the first time.
How FedEx helps you prepare
U.S. Tariffs: Frequently Asked Questions
A trade tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods. Reciprocal tariffs are imposed by one country in response to tariffs set by another country.
De minimis is a threshold value below which imports may enter a country duty-free. The U.S. de minimis threshold is currently $800, but is subject to change.
The Harmonised System (HS) code is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify traded products, determining applicable tariff rates.
The Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) is the U.S.-specific version of the HS coding system, containing additional subdivisions for U.S. customs purposes.
Formal entries are required for commercial shipments valued above the de minimis threshold (typically $800 for the U.S.) and require complete customs documentation. Informal entries apply to lower-value shipments with simplified customs procedures. Recent tariff changes may affect which shipments qualify for informal entry processing, potentially requiring more of your shipments to go through formal entry procedures.
DAP (Delivered at Place) means the seller is responsible for delivering goods to the buyer's specified location, but the buyer is responsible for import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller takes responsibility for all costs including duties, taxes, and customs clearance. With recent tariff increases, choosing between DAP and DDP has more significant cost implications for both parties.
Typically, the importer of record is responsible for paying import duties, though this can be affected by your chosen Incoterms.
FedEx Global Trade Manager and FedEx Trade Solutions can help you identify which tariffs apply to your specific products and shipping routes.
Impacts may include higher landed costs, additional documentation requirements and fees, and potential supply chain disruptions. FedEx solutions can help mitigate these challenges.
FedEx Global Trade Manager provides duty and tax calculations based on your specific shipment details.